|
|||||
| Return to 2005 News Releases | |||||
|
|
News
Release |
||||
|
Changing laws to avoid criticism is not democratic October 20, 2005
|
|||||
|
Kelvin Parsons, Opposition Justice Critic and MHA for the District of
Burgeo-Lapoile, says he is appalled by comments printed in today’s edition
of the Telegram in which the Premier states he may change Access to
Information laws if the court rules that he must release polling
information. "It is time for the Premier to realize that he does not create the laws in this province to satisfy his own agenda," said Mr. Parsons. "We live in a democracy and the Premier of the province is supposed to follow the same rules as everyone else. Just because he wants to avoid criticism and not release certain government documents, this is no reason to change laws. "For a Premier that continuously claims to be open and accountable, changing the Access to Information laws in the province will defeat the spirit and intent of the act. Instead of opening government, changing the laws will make it more difficult to get information. The Premier likes to state that his government is open and accountable, however, his actions speak louder than his words. "Laws are tailored to reflect changes in society and attitudes. They are not supposed to be changed on the whims of a Premier. Other governments across Canada have established similar Access to Information laws and have released similar information. These governments have not threatened to change the laws to prevent the release of potentially embarrassing information and avoid public criticism. "Everyone in the province knows that the Premier likes to govern in a dictatorial fashion, however, changing laws to suit his own interests is simply wrong and unacceptable. I suggest the Premier consider this before he makes any rash decisions to change the laws that govern all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."
|
|||||
|
Media Contact: |
|||||
